MARCH 24, 2011
DERRY MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY -- A Derry man is being held on $250,000 cash bail for two separate sexual assaults against a 29-year-old woman earlier this month, police said.
The woman also told police that Robert P. Meskell Sr., 46, of 67 Drew Road in Derry, had threatened to kill her and harm her family if she told anyone about the incidents, according to documents filed at Derry District Court.
Meskell was arrested Tuesday by Derry police on two felony counts of aggravated sexual assault.
Court documents do not identify the relationship between Meskell and the victim, but the police affidavit does say the woman reported she had been previously sexually assaulted by Meskell “numerous” times growing up in Massachusetts before moving to Derry in 2003.
The woman’s two sisters, ages 29 and 30, were also interviewed by Derry police as part of the investigation, according to the affidavit. The sisters told detectives that they had also been sexually abused by Meskell in Massachusetts beginning when they were between 8 and 10 years old, the affidavit says.
Derry police also interviewed Meskell’s sister, the affidavit says, who told detectives that she had confronted her brother about “inappropriately touching” one of the girls 13 years ago. The sister said Meskell had admitted to touching her and said he had been “victimized” as a child, according to the affidavit.
Derry police began their investigation into the case on Sunday.
According to the affidavit, the victim was also interviewed this week at the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office in Woburn, Mass.
A spokesman from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday afternoon that no additional charges had been filed against Meskell out of that office. She said she could neither confirm nor deny whether an investigation into the case was ongoing.
In Derry, Meskell’s bail was raised from $50,000 cash to $250,000 cash after Wednesday’s arraignment. He is being held at the Rockingham County jail in Brentwood. As conditions of his bail, Meskell is prohibited from contact with the alleged victim and anyone else under the age of 18.
Meskell will appear in Derry District Court for a probable cause hearing on March 31.
March 3, 2011
Robby attempt, then a crash
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY -- Police are investigating a possible connection between a robbery attempt Wednesday afternoon and a single-car crash nearby shortly after the crime.
No arrests were made by Wednesday evening, but Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas said a suspect has been identified.
Derry police responded to reports of a robbery at JR’s Place variety store on Route 28 Bypass at 3:09 p.m. on Wednesday, said Thomas.
Officers believe that a white man in his late-teens or early 20s approached the store’s counter and demanded money, motioning that he had a weapon in his waistband, Thomas said. The clerk sprayed the man in the face with pepper spray and he fled the store, Thomas said.
Witnesses observed a late-model Nissan sedan was seen leaving the scene with a plastic bag over the license plate, Thomas said. The vehicle was gone by the time officers arrived.
About 10 minutes later, police received reports of a traffic collision on English Range Road about 2 miles from JR’s Place, where officers found a vehicle matching the earlier description crashed into a utility pole, Thomas said. The crash caused the pole to snap and utility wires fell into the road, he said.
The driver, who police believe was the only person in the vehicle, was removed by Derry fire personnel and transported to Parkland Medical Center in Derry with unknown injuries, Thomas said. He said the injuries did not appear to be life threatening.
An initial investigation shows that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it crossed the roadway onto the opposite shoulder and hit the pole, Thomas said.
English Range Road remained closed Wednesday evening while the utility company repaired the damaged pole.
Feb. 24, 2011
Derry masseur faces more charges
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY -- After word got out about sexual assault charges against a Derry masseur last week, local police say three other women have come forward with similar allegations.
 |
| JENKINS |
Stephen Jenkins, 31, of 24 Shore Road in Derry was arrested on Friday on two class A misdemeanor charges of sexual assault after two women claim he “behaved inappropriately” during massages this month at Bella Viaggio Salon and Day Spa in Windham, said Windham police Capt. Michael Caron Wednesday.
Caron said Jenkins was working for the salon at least as early at June 2010, but that he is no longer employed there.
Since Jenkins’ Friday arrest, Caron said that three other women have reported similar incidents involving Jenkins from last fall.
“We’re staying away from saying anything more than ‘inappropriate behavior,’” Caron said. He said all five women reported similar offenses, which occurred while they were receiving massage services from Jenkins.
Caron said Windham police are investigating the new claims and expect to bring additional charges.
“Our investigation is not complete, but we anticipate charges forthcoming,” Caron said. “We’re hoping to wrap it up by this week. We won’t rearrest him, but we’ll bring forward additional charges at his arraignment.”
Jenkins is scheduled for arraignment on March 21 in Salem District Court. He was released on $10,000 personal recognizance bail.
Caron said Windham police believe Caron had been previously employed as a masseur in Massachusetts, but that detectives have not heard of any other assault allegations outside of their investigation.
Calls to Bella Viaggio salon on Route 28 in Windham were not returned yesterday.
Feb. 11, 2011
Teen accused of
attacking ex-girlfriend
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY -- Police say a Derry teen attacked his ex-girlfriend on her way to school this week, choking her until she almost passed out and punching her repeatedly in the face.
Joseph Gorman, 18, of 1 Ballard Road is facing five assault charges and single counts of criminal trespass, criminal mischief and interference with the report of a crime after the Monday incident.
Gorman was arraigned in Derry District Court on Tuesday and is being held on $10,000 cash bail pending a probable cause hearing on Feb. 17.
Police say Gorman showed up to the Derryfield Road home of his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend early Monday morning while the girl was on her way to Pinkerton Academy. The couple had broken up several weeks earlier.
Gorman pushed the girl in the doorway of her home and followed her to her bedroom as she tried to get away from him, according to Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas.
In the basement of the home, Gorman grabbed the girl’s arms and pushed her against the wall and began choking her after she threatened to call police, Thomas said. The girl told police she nearly lost consciousness.
Gorman is said to have repeatedly punched the girl in the face, kicked her in the stomach and pinned her to the ground while slapping and hitting her in the face, Thomas said.
Gorman later took the girl’s cell phone and choked her again when she threatened to call police for the second time, Thomas said.
Thomas said Gorman stopped hitting the girl at some point, saying he “wanted to talk.” She drove Gorman home that morning and reported the incident to police.
Thomas said police found marks and swelling on the girl’s body consistent with her account of the assault.
Dec. 27, 2010
SALEM POLICE LOOKING
FOR CLOTHING THIEVES
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
Police are looking for several men they believe have been targeting a mall department store in Salem as part of an organized theft ring out of Massachusetts.
In July, police say, two men were caught on surveillance cameras stealing $7,000 worth of jeans from a JCPenney store at the Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem, according to Salem police Detective James Fox.
The men, whom Fox described as Hispanic, walked into the store from the upstairs entrance in the late afternoon
In July, police say, two men were caught on surveillance cameras stealing $7,000 worth of jeans from a JCPenney store at the Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem, according to Salem police Detective James Fox.
The men, whom Fox described as Hispanic, walked into the store from the upstairs entrance in the late afternoon
Police are looking for several men they believe have been targeting a mall department store in Salem as part of an organized theft ring out of Massachusetts.
In July, police say, two men were caught on surveillance cameras stealing $7,000 worth of jeans from a JCPenney store at the Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem, according to Salem police Detective James Fox.
The men, whom Fox described as Hispanic, walked into the store from the upstairs entrance in the late afternoon and carried all the merchandise out in large trash bags, he said.
One of the men is about 5 feet 4 inches tall, he said, and the other appears to be about 6 feet tall.
In October, Fox said cameras caught the shorter man with a different accomplice taking $3,000 in polo shirts from the same store in trash bags.
In the October case, Fox said the second man appears to also be Hispanic and about 6 feet tall.
JCPenney employees reported another $5,000 in women’s jackets and sports apparel stolen in November. Fox said he believes the November theft is connected to the earlier incidents.
“We get hit throughout the year with this kind of organized retail crime,” Fox said. “They go into a store and empty a whole shelf and leave. It seems to be organized, and they are probably selling it somewhere.”
Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Salem police at 893-1911 or call anonymously to Crimeline of Southern New Hampshire at 893-6600. All calls to Crimeline are anonymous and could be eligible for up to $1,000 in rewards.Nov. 30, 2010
The men, whom Fox described as Hispanic, walked into the store from the upstairs entrance in the late afternoon and carried all the merchandise out in large trash bags, he said.
One of the men is about 5 feet 4 inches tall, he said, and the other appears to be about 6 feet tall.
In October, Fox said cameras caught the shorter man with a different accomplice taking $3,000 in polo shirts from the same store in trash bags.
In the October case, Fox said the second man appears to also be Hispanic and about 6 feet tall.
JCPenney employees reported another $5,000 in women’s jackets and sports apparel stolen in November. Fox said he believes the November theft is connected to the earlier incidents.
“We get hit throughout the year with this kind of organized retail crime,” Fox said. “They go into a store and empty a whole shelf and leave. It seems to be organized, and they are probably selling it somewhere.”
Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Salem police at 893-1911 or call anonymously to Crimeline of Southern New Hampshire at 893-6600. All calls to Crimeline are anonymous and could be eligible for up to $1,000 in rewards.Nov. 30, 2010
DEC. 26, 2010
THIEVES HIT RADIO SHACK
Police in Derry are investigating a Christmas Eve robbery at the Radio Shack at Hood Commons on Crystal Avenue.
According to police a white male between 35 and 40 years old entered the store at about 4:30 p.m. and browsed merchandise briefly before approaching the clerk at the cash register, demanding cash.
The clerk did not immediately respond, which prompted the robber to indicate he had a concealed gun. The clerk handed over the cash from the cash drawer, and the robber fled the store. The robber was described as about 5-foot-6, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, white sneakers, blue jeans and glasses or sunglasses. He fled in a red minivan that was heading toward Pinkerton Street. No one was injured in the incident.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Derry Police Department at 432-6111. -- By CAROL ROBIDOUX, Union Leader Correspondent
According to police a white male between 35 and 40 years old entered the store at about 4:30 p.m. and browsed merchandise briefly before approaching the clerk at the cash register, demanding cash.
The clerk did not immediately respond, which prompted the robber to indicate he had a concealed gun. The clerk handed over the cash from the cash drawer, and the robber fled the store. The robber was described as about 5-foot-6, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, white sneakers, blue jeans and glasses or sunglasses. He fled in a red minivan that was heading toward Pinkerton Street. No one was injured in the incident.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Derry Police Department at 432-6111. -- By CAROL ROBIDOUX, Union Leader Correspondent
POLICE HUNTING FOR
TWO IN HOME INVASION
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY -- Police are looking for two men they say broke into a Derry apartment Saturday night, holding residents at gunpoint while ransacking a room in the home.
At about 11:05 p.m. on Saturday, Derry police were notified of a home invasion at a firstfloor apartment at 24 South Ave., according to Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas.
A 43-year-old man from Lebanon who was visiting the residence told police that he was watching television with two women and three small children just before 11 p.m. when the two men carrying handguns broke in, Thomas said.
The man told police that one of the intruders told the group to “be still” while the second man asked for the 21-year-old son of one of the apartment’s female residents, Thomas said. The son was not home during the incident, he said, and the second intruder went into the son’s bedroom and tore through his belongings.
At about 11:05 p.m. on Saturday, Derry police were notified of a home invasion at a firstfloor apartment at 24 South Ave., according to Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas.
A 43-year-old man from Lebanon who was visiting the residence told police that he was watching television with two women and three small children just before 11 p.m. when the two men carrying handguns broke in, Thomas said.
The man told police that one of the intruders told the group to “be still” while the second man asked for the 21-year-old son of one of the apartment’s female residents, Thomas said. The son was not home during the incident, he said, and the second intruder went into the son’s bedroom and tore through his belongings.
Thomas said the two men are said to have left the home in a small, dark-colored, two-door car with a defective right tail light. The man from Lebanon followed the men outside, Thomas said, and told police he saw one of the men point a gun out the window of the car and fire off a round of bullets. The car was last seen driving northbound on Central Street, he said.
Thomas said he could not comment on whether bullets or casings were found at the scene.
Police canvassed the area looking for the vehicle after the incident, but Thomas said neither man nor the car were found.
“Our officers went door to door, not to look for suspects but to make sure that people were safe,” he said. “And there were no injuries.”
Witnesses described one of the men as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing between 170 and 180 pounds, and the other as weighing about 200 pounds and standing about 5 feet, 10 inches tall. Thomas said the race of the men is unknown.
The two were wearing black hooded sweatshirts, ski masks and gloves during the invasion, Thomas said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Derry police at 432-6111.
Police canvassed the area looking for the vehicle after the incident, but Thomas said neither man nor the car were found.
“Our officers went door to door, not to look for suspects but to make sure that people were safe,” he said. “And there were no injuries.”
Witnesses described one of the men as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing between 170 and 180 pounds, and the other as weighing about 200 pounds and standing about 5 feet, 10 inches tall. Thomas said the race of the men is unknown.
The two were wearing black hooded sweatshirts, ski masks and gloves during the invasion, Thomas said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Derry police at 432-6111.
Nov. 9, 2010
POLICE: DERRY MAN
TRIED TO STEAL CRUISER
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
SALEM -- Two local men believed to be responsible for numerous area burglaries were arrested this weekend after separate home break-ins in Salem.
Richard Melcher, 50, of Derry is charged with burglary, resisting arrest and attempted theft of a motor vehicle after police say he broke into a home at 9 South Policy St. in Salem Saturday morning and later attempted to steal a police cruiser.
Salem officers responded to the home at about 11:07 a.m. after a resident reported returning home to a broken window and open door after just an hour away from the house.
Police say the bedroom had been torn apart and several pieces of jewelry and other items were missing. There was also blood at the scene that police said officers believed came from a cut to the intruder.
After canvassing the area, police said officers found Melcher in the parking lot of a nearby Red Roof Inn with a large amount of jewelry. Police say he also had several fresh cuts on his hands.
During questioning, police say Melcher ran from officers and attempted to get into the driver’s seat of a Salem police cruiser and put the car in drive.
Officers used a Taser to subdue Melcher and pulled him from the vehicle without further incident, police said.
Police say Melcher had been living at the Red Roof Inn and that detectives found numerous items in his room that had been reported stolen from earlier burglaries in Salem and surrounding towns.
He was held on $25,000 cash bail pending an arraignment in Salem District Court.
On Friday, Salem police also arrested Jeffrey Beaulieu, 26, of Salem on a charge of attempt to commit burglary after officers found him in the area of an alleged residential break-in on Brady Avenue.
Police say an officer on patrol saw a suspicious vehicle parked outside 24 Brady Ave. at about 10:06 a.m. on Friday. On a second pass of the home, officers said the car was gone, but was stopped a short distance down the road.
After an investigation, police said Beaulieu had indeed broken into the Brady Avenue home, but that the police cruiser had scared him off before he took anything.
He was held on $5,000 cash bail pending an arraignment in Salem District Court.
Salem police sy Beaulieu is a “known house breaker” and is currently out on bail for breaking and entering charges out of Tewksbury, Mass., and Harvard, Mass.
Both cases remain under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Salem police at 893-1911.
Richard Melcher, 50, of Derry is charged with burglary, resisting arrest and attempted theft of a motor vehicle after police say he broke into a home at 9 South Policy St. in Salem Saturday morning and later attempted to steal a police cruiser.
Salem officers responded to the home at about 11:07 a.m. after a resident reported returning home to a broken window and open door after just an hour away from the house.
Police say the bedroom had been torn apart and several pieces of jewelry and other items were missing. There was also blood at the scene that police said officers believed came from a cut to the intruder.
After canvassing the area, police said officers found Melcher in the parking lot of a nearby Red Roof Inn with a large amount of jewelry. Police say he also had several fresh cuts on his hands.
During questioning, police say Melcher ran from officers and attempted to get into the driver’s seat of a Salem police cruiser and put the car in drive.
Officers used a Taser to subdue Melcher and pulled him from the vehicle without further incident, police said.
Police say Melcher had been living at the Red Roof Inn and that detectives found numerous items in his room that had been reported stolen from earlier burglaries in Salem and surrounding towns.
He was held on $25,000 cash bail pending an arraignment in Salem District Court.
On Friday, Salem police also arrested Jeffrey Beaulieu, 26, of Salem on a charge of attempt to commit burglary after officers found him in the area of an alleged residential break-in on Brady Avenue.
Police say an officer on patrol saw a suspicious vehicle parked outside 24 Brady Ave. at about 10:06 a.m. on Friday. On a second pass of the home, officers said the car was gone, but was stopped a short distance down the road.
After an investigation, police said Beaulieu had indeed broken into the Brady Avenue home, but that the police cruiser had scared him off before he took anything.
He was held on $5,000 cash bail pending an arraignment in Salem District Court.
Salem police sy Beaulieu is a “known house breaker” and is currently out on bail for breaking and entering charges out of Tewksbury, Mass., and Harvard, Mass.
Both cases remain under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Salem police at 893-1911.
Nov. 5, 2010
FIRE DESTROYS HUMPHREY ROAD GARAGE
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY -- It took Derry firefighters about 20 minutes to knock down a garage fire on Humphrey Road on Thursday night and fire officials have called the building a total loss.
Neighbors first reported the fire at about 7:28 p.m., according to Derry Battalion Chief Michael Doyle, and flames were through the roof of the detached garage at 5 Humphrey Road by the time firefighters arrived on scene, he said.
“It looks like it started in the back, but the fire was up through the roof and the back of the building by the time I got here,” Doyle said Thursday night.Neighbors say the homeowners, a married couple, stored a lawn mower and some other small items in the older garage, but that there were no vehicles inside.
Pam Crawford, of 7 Humphrey Road, said she first called 911 after her husband noticed the flames through their kitchen window.
“The flames were coming up so high and I was kind of nervous because there’s a gas tank beside the garage, but they had it out pretty fast,” she said.
Crawford said the left wing of the 5 Humphrey Road home had burned to the ground during a fire about 10 years ago.
Doyle said fire investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire.
Neighbors first reported the fire at about 7:28 p.m., according to Derry Battalion Chief Michael Doyle, and flames were through the roof of the detached garage at 5 Humphrey Road by the time firefighters arrived on scene, he said.
“It looks like it started in the back, but the fire was up through the roof and the back of the building by the time I got here,” Doyle said Thursday night.Neighbors say the homeowners, a married couple, stored a lawn mower and some other small items in the older garage, but that there were no vehicles inside.
Pam Crawford, of 7 Humphrey Road, said she first called 911 after her husband noticed the flames through their kitchen window.
“The flames were coming up so high and I was kind of nervous because there’s a gas tank beside the garage, but they had it out pretty fast,” she said.
Crawford said the left wing of the 5 Humphrey Road home had burned to the ground during a fire about 10 years ago.
Doyle said fire investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire.
Oct. 26, 2010
OBSERVANT NEIGHBOR
HELPS POLICE
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY — Police say it was the keen eye of a Derry resident that led to the Friday arrest of two men charged with burglary in Salem.
“This shows that people are paying more attention and getting descriptions for us,” said Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas Monday. “They are watching neighbors’ houses and that’s how more information is coming to us.”
Most recently, a resident on Adams Pond Road in Derry reported seeing a suspicious vehicle make stops at several neighborhood homes, including his own, at around 1 p.m. on Friday, Thomas said.
Most recently, a resident on Adams Pond Road in Derry reported seeing a suspicious vehicle make stops at several neighborhood homes, including his own, at around 1 p.m. on Friday, Thomas said.
After seeing the car pull into a neighbor’s driveway and a man get out and approach the front door, Thomas said the resident drove his own vehicle into the driveway to block the man’s car in place. The man returned to his vehicle and drove across a neighbor’s yard to get by the blockade and leave the scene, Thomas said.
But the Derry resident was able to give police a full description of the older-model blue Honda Civic and the report was forwarded to several other local departments, including Salem police.
But the Derry resident was able to give police a full description of the older-model blue Honda Civic and the report was forwarded to several other local departments, including Salem police.
At around 2:30 p.m. that afternoon, the vehicle was spotted by a Salem officer working a traffic detail on Brookdale Road in Salem, according to Salem Deputy Police Chief Shawn Patten.
Several officers responded to the report, ultimately pulling the vehicle over on Wildwood Lane after a brief pursuit, Patten said.
Inside the car were Domenic DiZazzo, 25, of Fremont and Richard Cloutier, 25, of Derry, according to police.
During the arrest, Patten said the department received two calls reporting suspicious behavior on Brookdale Road.
One caller said a suspicious man had come to her door asking for directions and then left her property in the opposite direction. A second caller, at 96 Brookdale Road, reported a residential burglary. Patten said Monday he had no details on what if anything had been taken from the home.
DiZazzo and Cloutier are both facing burglary charges in connection with the 96 Brookdale Road break-in, Patten said, along with charges of possession of burglary tools and resisting arrest.
DiZazzo is also charged with disobeying a police officer and reckless operation. Cloutier is charged with being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon, according to police.
The two men were held on $10,000 cash bail pending an arraignment in Salem District Court.
Patten said Salem police are still investigating the case and that additional charges could follow.
“The case is very active,” he said Monday. “Right now we have a ton of unsolved burglaries, so the whole thing is under investigation.”
Likewise, Thomas said Derry detectives are investigating the case on their end.
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY — A father and son are facing felony drug charges after police say detectives found marijuana, prescription pills, scales and plastic bags during a weekend search of the family’s Derry home.
Steven Taliadoros, 55, and his 17-year-old son, Michael Taliadoros, were arrested Friday night after police executed a search warrant at their 38 Kristin Drive home.
Derry police detectives had been watching the Kristin Drive home for several months, said Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas Monday, after receiving tips from neighbors about numerous young people visiting the house throughout the day and night.
A search warrant was granted for the home on Thursday, according to court documents, and police ultimately searched the home just before 6 p.m. on Friday.
Inside the house, detectives found several bags of marijuana hidden in the shelving unit of a walk-in closet, several OxyContin and Oxycodone pills stored in a metal key chain canister, and scales and plastic bags police say are consistent with drug sales, according to court documents.
Steven Taliadoros is charged with a class B felony of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Michael Taliadoros is facing two charges — a class B felony for possession of Oxycodone and a class A misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession, according to court documents.
Both men were held at the Rockingham County jail in Brentwood on $20,000 cash bail pending an arraignment in Derry District Court yesterday. After the video arraignment, bail amounts for the father and son were adjusted to $1,500 cash and $20,000 personal recognizance, police said.
A probable cause hearing for both men is scheduled for Nov. 3 in Derry District Court.
Police also arrested 20-year-old James Cavanaugh, of 24 Emerald Dr. in Derry, on unrelated charges when he was found at the Kristin Drive home during Friday’s search.
An active warrant had been issued for Cavanaugh’s arrest on theft charges out of Derry District Court. Cavanaugh was later released on $2,000 personal recognizance bail and will next appear in court on Oct. 19, according to police logs.
William R. Tracey III, 22, of 107 Serenitas Lane, Goffstown, was arrested July 29 on a warrant charging him with two counts of robbery for the April 27 and May 11 video game store robberies.
The other suspect, identified by police as Scott Frechette, 21, is still at large. Although he is listed as homeless, police said he is known to have resided most recently in Warren.
Likewise, Thomas said Derry detectives are investigating the case on their end.
Oct. 19, 2010
Man accused of
burglarizing Derry home
 |
| Anderson |
DERRY — Derry police have arrested a Massachusetts man they say is connected to the January break-in of a Derry home.
Joseph Anderson, 25, of 110 Mascuppic Trail in Tyngsboro, Mass., was arrested by Derry police Sunday on an active warrant just after he was released from Hillsborough County jail in Manchester on unrelated charges, according to Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas.
Joseph Anderson, 25, of 110 Mascuppic Trail in Tyngsboro, Mass., was arrested by Derry police Sunday on an active warrant just after he was released from Hillsborough County jail in Manchester on unrelated charges, according to Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas.
In the Derry case, Anderson is charged with a class B felony of burglary and is being held at the Rockingham County jail in Brentwood on $20,000 cash bail. Anderson was arraigned Monday morning in Derry District Court and will next appear for a probable cause hearing on Oct. 27.
Police say Anderson is connected to a January break-in where computer equipment, personal checks, DVDs and jewelry were stolen from a Warner Hill Road home.
Police say Anderson is connected to a January break-in where computer equipment, personal checks, DVDs and jewelry were stolen from a Warner Hill Road home.
-- Chelsey Pollock
Oct. 6, 2010
Woman nabbed after
pawn shop deal
 |
| Xiggores |
DERRY -- A Merrimack woman is facing theft and fraud charges after police say she used stolen identification to pawn stolen jewelry at a Derry pawn shop.Karena Xiggores, 32, of 52 Belmont Drive in Merrimack, is charged with a class A felony of identity fraud and class A misdemeanors of receiving stolen property and theft by deception in connection with an April vehicle break-in, according to police.
Xiggores turned herself in to Derry police at 5:42 p.m.on Monday. On April 4, police say a vehicle parked on Hampstead Drive in Derry was broken into and a woman’s purse was stolen from the vehicle.
Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas said yesterday that police believe Xiggores had been using an identification card from the purse to pawn jewelry stolen from a separate burglary at at least one Derry pawn shop.
Police say Xiggores could be connected to a number of people arrested this summer on related burglary and theft charges in Derry, as credit cards from the Hampstead Road victim’s purse were found in a car with some of those arrested this summer. So far, Thomas said, six suspects have been arrested in connection with a number of related burglary and thefts in town
The investigation is still ongoing, he said.
Xiggores was arraigned in Derry District Court yesterday morning and is being held on $5,000 cash and $5,000 personal recognizance bail at Rockingham County jail pending a probable cause hearing on Oct. 13 in Derry -- Chelsey Pollock
Xiggores turned herself in to Derry police at 5:42 p.m.on Monday. On April 4, police say a vehicle parked on Hampstead Drive in Derry was broken into and a woman’s purse was stolen from the vehicle.
Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas said yesterday that police believe Xiggores had been using an identification card from the purse to pawn jewelry stolen from a separate burglary at at least one Derry pawn shop.
Police say Xiggores could be connected to a number of people arrested this summer on related burglary and theft charges in Derry, as credit cards from the Hampstead Road victim’s purse were found in a car with some of those arrested this summer. So far, Thomas said, six suspects have been arrested in connection with a number of related burglary and thefts in town
The investigation is still ongoing, he said.
Xiggores was arraigned in Derry District Court yesterday morning and is being held on $5,000 cash and $5,000 personal recognizance bail at Rockingham County jail pending a probable cause hearing on Oct. 13 in Derry -- Chelsey Pollock
Oct. 5, 2010
Dad, son face drug charges
Steven Taliadoros, 55, and his son, Michael, 17,
were under surveillance for several months, police said.
By CHELSEY POLLOCK
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY — A father and son are facing felony drug charges after police say detectives found marijuana, prescription pills, scales and plastic bags during a weekend search of the family’s Derry home.
Steven Taliadoros, 55, and his 17-year-old son, Michael Taliadoros, were arrested Friday night after police executed a search warrant at their 38 Kristin Drive home.
Derry police detectives had been watching the Kristin Drive home for several months, said Derry police Capt. Vern Thomas Monday, after receiving tips from neighbors about numerous young people visiting the house throughout the day and night.
A search warrant was granted for the home on Thursday, according to court documents, and police ultimately searched the home just before 6 p.m. on Friday.
Inside the house, detectives found several bags of marijuana hidden in the shelving unit of a walk-in closet, several OxyContin and Oxycodone pills stored in a metal key chain canister, and scales and plastic bags police say are consistent with drug sales, according to court documents.
Steven Taliadoros is charged with a class B felony of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Michael Taliadoros is facing two charges — a class B felony for possession of Oxycodone and a class A misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession, according to court documents.
Both men were held at the Rockingham County jail in Brentwood on $20,000 cash bail pending an arraignment in Derry District Court yesterday. After the video arraignment, bail amounts for the father and son were adjusted to $1,500 cash and $20,000 personal recognizance, police said.
A probable cause hearing for both men is scheduled for Nov. 3 in Derry District Court.
Police also arrested 20-year-old James Cavanaugh, of 24 Emerald Dr. in Derry, on unrelated charges when he was found at the Kristin Drive home during Friday’s search.
An active warrant had been issued for Cavanaugh’s arrest on theft charges out of Derry District Court. Cavanaugh was later released on $2,000 personal recognizance bail and will next appear in court on Oct. 19, according to police logs.
SEPT. 28, 2010
Home health aide sentenced
for stealing from client
DERRY – A former home health nursing assistant will serve 90 days in prison for stealing credit cards from an 83-year-old Goffstown woman in 2009.
Pamela Wilton, 44, of Derry also was sentenced to concurrent suspended sentences of 2 - 5 years in the state prison for two counts of credit card fraud and one count of identity fraud related to the use of the two stolen credit cards.
In the Spring of 2009, Wilton was employed as a licensed nursing assistant with Interim Health Care in Manchester. She was assigned to assist the victim with various personal and household duties in the woman's home. While caring for the victim, Wilton stole two credit cards belonging to the victim and then made more than 18 purchases with the cards, amounting to about $300 in gift cards, cash and other items at Shaw's supermarket.
The victim was alerted to Wilton’s actions when her credit card companies called her to report the suspicious activity on her cards. Goffstown Police investigated and arrested Wilton.
Wilson was also sentenced to serve three years probation and must perform 100 hours of community service. She was ordered not to provide any healthcare services to anyone over the age of 60 for five years, and can not have any contact with the victim other than a letter of apology, which she must write.
The charges were prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit.
SEPT. 22, 2010
GUNS STOLEN; BURGLAR CAUGHT IN THE ACT; MAN ALLEGEDLY DRAGS WOMAN WITH CAR
Police are investigating a burglary in which several guns were stolen from Kittredge Farms produce stand early yesterday morning.
Police responded to the farm stand at Maple and Elm Streets after someone reported the break-in when they went to open the store just before 7:30 a.m.
The family business has been located in the downtown neighborhood for 25 years, owned and operated by Aaron Plummer of Litchfield, who sells produce from local farms at the stand. There is an adjacent office.
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| HOTALING
A homeowner who heard glass shattering at her home called police as a burglary was in progress, and watched the burglar drive away -- providing a description that led to his arrest a short time later.
Police arrested Douglas Hotaling, 53, of 47 Webers Circle on burglary charges, after police spotted a vehicle matching the description of the car that had just left the Keats Drive residence.
Police recovered two automobile tires and a digital camera from Hotaling's car, items that were allegedly taken from the residence.
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Derry Police Capt. Vern Thomas said yesterday he did not have details of the burglary, such as the type or number of firearms taken from the business, pending the responding officer's report being filed.
A Derry man faces reckless conduct charges after he was arrested for allegedly yesterday dragging a woman with his car.
Kevin Landry, 33, was arrested by police at 7:50 a.m. after police were called to an apartment building at 9 North Main Street to investigate a report of domestic assault.
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| LANDRY |
Upon arrival, a woman met police outside the building and explained that she and Landry were arguing outside the building when her sleeve became caught inside the open driver's side door and Landry attempted to drive away. She told police she was dragged about 20 feet before Landry stopped the car.
The woman's name or relationship to Landry was not released by police.
Police said Landry was held on $10,000 cash bail after it was discovered that he was already on bail from another jurisdiction.
AUG. 26, 2010
ONE ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED, ONE STILL AT LARGE
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – Police have arrested one man and issued a warrant for a second suspect in connection with two armed robberies at the same Game Stop earlier this year.
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| TRACEY |
Police said on April 27 two men entered the Game Stop at 35 Manchester Road just before closing. The men were both armed with knives, according to employees, who said the two demanded cash before fleeing the store on foot.
On May 11, also just before closing at 9 p.m., two men entered the store, one of them armed with a knife. One of the robbers demanded an employee turn over the cash from the register while the other took an X-Box system. The two left the store before police arrived, and were seen heading on foot in the direction of the Flagship Cinema.
Tracey was released on $25,000 personal recognizance bail and is scheduled for arraignment Aug. 31 in Derry District Court.
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| FRACHETTE |
Anyone who may know the whereabouts of Frechette should contact police at 432-6111 or call New Hampshire Crime Line at 1-800-498-4040.
AUG. 10, 2010
FIRE GUTS CAMP STORE
DERRY – A campground store burned to the ground this morning in a fire that is under investigation by both the fire and police departments.
Avo's Country Store at 81 Damren Road at Hidden Valley Campground was reported on fire just before 2 a.m by a woman who heard a small explosion, looked outside and saw the flames, according to Battalion Chief Jack Webb.
It took firefighters a little over an hour to control the blaze in the unoccupied 20-by-50-foot single story, wood-frame building. Additional tankers were called to the scene and firefighters, initially with a limited water supply, used it to prevent flames from reaching two 500-pound propane tanks used for cooking equipment.
Fire crews were on the scene throughout the night to watch for hot spots.
Avo's Country Store at 81 Damren Road at Hidden Valley Campground was reported on fire just before 2 a.m by a woman who heard a small explosion. (PHOTO / PAUL MCCALLUM, DFD)
The origin and cause of the fire is undetermined but investigation crews will be back at the fire scene today.
Mutual aid was provided by Auburn, Chester, Hampstead and Windham. Londonderry, Salem, Manchester and Hudson firefighters covered the stations.
The fire came at the end of a busy shift that included a brush fire on Rockingham Road, several serious medical calls and a major lightning strike that damaged electrical and fire alarm systems in four buildings including a multi-family dwelling and three businesses.
JULY 29, 2010
RESIDENTS ASKED TO
CONSERVE WATER
DERRY – Residents are being asked to cut back on their outdoor water use, given the persistent hot, dry weather conditions.
A memo released yesterday by the Public Works department said rainfall amounts over the past three months remain about six inches below normal.
According to Tom Bowen, Director at Manchester Water Works, Derry’s wholesale water supplier, said Lake Massabesic (Derry’s water source) is approximately 30 inches below its full capacity. While it is not unusual for the lake to be at that level during some periods of the year, this is approximately six to eight weeks ahead of the typical low point. Manchester Water Works consumption is currently in the 24 to 27 million gallons per day range, up from the annual average of 16 million gallons per day. Derry’s water consumption is up 18 percent, to 1.5 million gallons per day, compared to this time last summer.
Likely the majority of water is being used for lawn irrigation. Customers are being asked to follow some simple steps to avoid lawn watering restrictions being imposed in Derry as they have in some other municipalities, including:
- Deep soak your lawn and garden when watering. Water long enough for the moisture to soak down into the roots where it will do the most good. It is far better to water every other day with a deep soaking than to simply lightly sprinkle your lawn, which can evaporate and encourage a shallow route system.
- Water during the cooler part of the day to avoid evaporation. Watering before 9 a.m. is best for your grass since it helps to prevent the growth of fungus.
- For those with automatic sprinklers, check for leaks at sprinkler heads once or twice a week. A stuck sprinkler head can waste a considerable amount of water and cost you a lot of money.
- If a good soaking rain does occur, hold off watering for two or three days or until your lawn needs watering. One easy way to tell when watering is needed is to step on the grass and then move back. If the grass stays flat, then it is time to water.
- When mowing your grass between an inch and a half and two inches high, taller grass will shade the roots and reduce evaporation.
- Cover your pool when not in use and lower the level several inches. This will keep water from evaporating and eliminate loss from splashing from normal use. An average swimming pool will lose nearly a thousand gallons a month, by using a pool cover you can reduce losses by nearly 90%.
- Clean your driveway and sidewalks with a broom or rake, not your garden hose.
These recommendations apply to Derry’s core municipal water customers. Derry’s community water systems at Autumn Woods, Meadowbrook, Rand-Shepard Hill, Willow Bend and Woodlands, whose water is supplied from separate community bedrock wells, have been issued mandatory outdoor water use restrictions. The Derry core municipal system is asking only for voluntary reductions in outdoor water use at this time.
For more information about water conservation or your public water supply contact the Town of Derry Department of Public Works at 603-432-6144.
JULY 27, 2010
TODDLER INJURED IN
FALL FROM WINDOW
DERRY – A toddler was injured when she fell from a second-story window yesterday.
The child, about 20 months old, suffered head injuries in the fall, which was reported to 911 at about 6:30 p.m.
Rescuers arrived at the home of Rachel and Fabrizio Brasso where they worked to stabilize the injured child, who was then taken to Parkland Medical Center. A DART helicopter was waiting to transport the child to Massachusetts General Hospital, according to fire officials.
Last night fire officials said they did not have information on the child's condition, or which hospital she was taken to for treatment.
JULY 11, 2010
FUNNY MONEY CIRCULATED
IN DERRY
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
SUNDAY NEWS CORRESPONDENT
DERRY — Police were called to the Gibb's gas station on Crystal Avenue early yesterday afternoon after a clerk intercepted a counterfeit 20 dollar bill.
It is the second time this week that counterfeit bills were discovered at local gas stations.
Clerk Brian Devine said he could tell right away by the feel of the bill after accepting it from a customer, who was buying gasoline just before 1 p.m.
“I held it up and there was no water mark,” said Devine, who then swiped the bill with a special marker used by businesses to detect counterfeit bills – if the marker leaves a black mark, the bill is phony.
“As soon as I saw the black mark I was reassured that my suspicions were right,” said Devine, who had called police while the customer was gassing up his truck.
Devine said he gave the customer back $5 in change.
“I probably should have held him here, but the sale had already gone through by the time I realized the money was counterfeit,” Devine sad.
He said he was able to give police a description of the vehicle and managed to get the license plate before the driver left.
When contacted yesterday, the officer in charge at the Derry police station said there had been no arrests made and that the matter was under investigation.
“I always look for the water mark,” said Devine. “This is the first time in the five years I've worked here that I've come across a counterfeit bill.
On Friday, three counterfeit $20 bills were turned over to police after the funny money turned up in a money bag delivered to Optima Gas station on Manchester Road.
A clerk at the gas station, which is a subsidiary of Sunoco that operates on Wal-Mart properties, said the three bills were discovered by a manager on duty.
Police Capt. Vern Thomas said Friday that serial numbers of the counterfeit bills were not available, and no arrests were made.
An employee working at the Wal-Mart customer service desk Friday said that to her knowledge the store had not been notified by police of the recent counterfeit money discovery. The employee said that three weeks ago the retail store discovered hundreds of dollars in counterfeit $20s and called police.
Routinely, clerks at the department store use the same kind of counterfeit detector pen as used by Devine. It is a simple but reliable method of detection in which iodine in the pen reacts with the starch in wood-based paper to create a black stain when a bill is phony. When applied to the fiber-based paper used in real bills, the mark left behind should be yellow or amber.
"Check your 20s," the employee said to others behind the service desk, before making her way to the check-out counters to deliver the same message.
Although it’s becoming more difficult to detect phony money with advanced printing technology available to counterfeiters, the U.S. Treasury has in the past few years upgraded security features built into newly designed bills to make counterfeiting more difficult.
Devine said he did not know if the Gibb's customer was deliberately passing counterfeit money.
“I gave all the information to police, and they are investigating. I have no idea if he knew it was fake,” Devine said.
According to the U.S. Secret Service official website, there are several ways for consumers to detect phony bills, even without a special marker. Genuine currency has slightly raised ink produced in the printing process that you can feel. Regular offset printing and digital printing (the most popular tools for counterfeiters) can’t replicate this feature.
More tips from the U.S. Treasury Department for detecting fake money:
•Look for blurry areas, especially in fine details around borders. Authentic bills have clear, unbroken borders. Also check for clarity on the Federal Reserve and Treasury seals, where the sawtooth points should be sharp and well-defined. Portraits on fake bills often look blurred and lack fine detailing.
•All U.S. bills have tiny red and blue fibers embedded in the paper. Counterfeiters sometimes try to reproduce these by printing these strands onto the paper, but if you look closely, you’ll see that they are printed on, rather than being part of the paper itself.
•Hold a bill up to the light and look at the watermark. The watermark portrait should match the printed one (this is very important: bleaching and reprinting low value currency is a common scam). The newer five-dollar bill has a "5" watermark instead of Lincoln. One-dollar bills have no watermark.
•Make sure serial numbers on a bill match, and look at them carefully. Fake bills may have serial numbers that are not evenly spaced or aligned in a row. If you received more than one suspicious bill, see if the serial numbers are the same on both bills — a dead giveaway you’ve got a couple counterfeits.
•Tilt the bill to examine the color-shifting ink. Color-shifting ink (ink which appears to change color when the bill is tilted) was added to the $50 and $100 bills in 1996, the $20 bill in 1998, and the $10 in 1999. The color originally appeared to change from black to green, but it goes from copper to green in recent redesigns of the bills.
For more: www.newmoney.gov
JUNE 11, 2010
ROBBER HITS OCEAN
BANK ON BIRCH STREET
Police are looking for the man who robbed Ocean Bank yesterday afternoon, getting away with a bag of cash.
The robber, described as a white male, mid-30s, about 5-foot-8 with medium build and short brown hair, entered the Birch Street bank just before 3:30 p.m., and handed a note demanding cash to one of the tellers. He did not show a weapon.
The robber then fled the bank on foot. State police search dogs were brought in to sweep the area, but did not pick up a scent.
Detectives said the robber was wearing a dark green baseball cap, black long-sleeved shirt, khaki-colored shorts and was carrying a large red duffel bag. Anyone who recognizes the robber or has information regarding this crime is asked to contact Derry Police at 603-432-6111 or the Southern New Hampshire Crime Line at 1-800-498-4040.
JUNE 10, 2010
Raise your hand if you want
to help pick the next Town Administrator
Volunteers are needed to help in the search for a new Town Administrator. If you have some time on your hands, or could be available one weekday in July, the town Council wants you to consider applying to be a member of a citizens screening panel.
Requirements are only that you be a resident and can attend the July 22 session from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Panelists will screen six final candidates using a series of prepared questions. The goal of this particular group is to assess the future administrator on personal character, attributes and leadership qualities – and whether they would be a good fit for Derry.
Citizen panelists will be selected with the goal of achieving a cross section most representative of the community. Administrator candidates will be interviewed by two other panels – one consisting of town employees and the other made up of professional municipal managers from outside Derry.
Those interested in volunteering should submit by July 2 their name, contact information and a brief profile or resume touching upon work and life experience, civic and social service activities, current and past community involvement and any other relevant facts about their interest in serving on this panel. Address your e-mail submission to: sheilabodenrader@ci.derry.nh.us, using DERRY RESIDENT VOLUNTEER in the subject line. Applications can also be dropped off at the municipal center or mailed to: Town of Derry, 14 Manning St., Derry, NH 03038 Attn: Sheila Bodenrader.
MAY 21, 2010
Moose on the loose locks down Pinkerton Academy
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – Students were kept in classes for about 15 minutes longer than usual this morning after a moose wandered onto campus.
"It was a teenager moose, and since we know they're not the brightest bulbs and can charge at you for no particular reason, we kept the students in their classrooms," said Anne Parker of the school's alumni office.
School officials noticed the moose at about 11 a.m. and announced to all the classrooms that the bells signaling class change would be held. The moose eventually wandered back toward the football field, where he came from.
Police said they had a report of the moose on Nesmith Street, which is near the school, but that there were no other disturbances reported.
"It was a teenager moose, and since we know they're not the brightest bulbs and can charge at you for no particular reason, we kept the students in their classrooms," said Anne Parker of the school's alumni office.
School officials noticed the moose at about 11 a.m. and announced to all the classrooms that the bells signaling class change would be held. The moose eventually wandered back toward the football field, where he came from.
Police said they had a report of the moose on Nesmith Street, which is near the school, but that there were no other disturbances reported.
FIRE FORCES EVACUATION AT SOUTH RANGE SCHOOL
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – A faulty heat pump in a supply closet caught fire early this morning, filling South Range School with smoke and forcing faculty and students out of the building just after 8:30 a.m.
Fire trucks and ambulances encircled the building as fire crews quickly found the source of the fire - a heat pump in a supply closet - and used chemical extinguishers to douse the fire.
Outside, parents and students stood watching as firefighters made several trips in and out of the building, making for an exciting unofficial first day of school for incoming kindergartners, who were there for fall registration.
"It's going to be a memorable first day," said Dawn Jellow, who was there with her daughter Grace, husband John and son, John Jr. "They told us that they were having some electrical problems and there would be a delay."
School staff were on the lookout for new students, greeting them with a smile and a "Welcome to South Range School" before explaining the unusual circumstances.
Chief George Klauber, who was at the scene, said everything happened the way it was supposed to happen.
"The heat pump unit burned up and set off the detector, which signaled in the fire station. Once we determined it wasn't a false alarm, we upgraded and have everybody working," Klauber said.
He commended the school staff for remaining calm and sticking to the emergency plan, which made his firefighters' job that much easier."Given the number of people here, it could have been chaos, but it shows that their emergency system works," said Klauber.
By 9:30 a.m. students were already returning to the building, although the side of the building housing the heat pump was still being aired out by firefighters.
"Between the smell of the burning electrical equipment and the odor of the extinguishing agent we used, the kids are likely to notice a bad smell, so we're going to try to take care of that before the kids come back into this part of the building," Klauber said.
He said the damage to the building and heating equipment was minimal.
"Really, it was just the pump -- even items inside the supply closet were spared," Klauber said.
MAY 13, 2010
COYLE READY TO MOVE ON, LEAVING DERRY POLITICS BEHIND
With a new home in Londonderry, Coyle cites 'mean and nasty' town politics
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – Councilor Kevin Coyle figured it was just a matter of time before word got around that he is selling his North Shore Road home and getting out of town – and politics.
“We've purchased a home in Londonderry that we're in the process of restoring and renovating, and when the house in Derrry sells we will be moving,” said Coyle.
“It's something we've thought long and hard about. I can't say politics has not played a role in our decision, because it has. I will serve out my term as long as I can, but Derry politics has been frustrating for me. As I've experienced it, local politics is mean and nasty, down and dirty, and people are just not nice,” said Coyle. “I'm sure there will be people who are thrilled when I'm gone.”
Coyle was elected to the Council in 2006, running on a platform of political change in a town where he has lived most of his life. Fellow Councilor Janet Fairbanks has been his only consistent political ally. Since the March elections, both Coyle and Fairbanks have expressed a growing frustration over their lack of relevance, as most voting matters wind up 5 to 2, with few exceptions. Their terms do not expire until 2012.
On April 1, Coyle and Fairbanks filed a lawsuit against the town after newly seated Council Chair Brad Benson called for a non-public meeting to discuss hiring a firm to search for a new town administrator.
“When I had to sue the town council because they were violating the law, they made it pretty clear they are going to do whatever the hell they want,” Coyle said.
Benson has said publicly that he is trying to bring civility back to the Council, and has expressed his interest in mending political fractures among the board.
"My goal is to move the town forward. My goal is to make good decisions and not have personal attacks and to be fair and honest. Kevin indicated he objected to the nonpublic meeting. I verified to the best of my capabilities whether we could have a nonpublic meeting. Kevin respectfully disagreed, and we moved on," Benson said at the time the suit was filed.
Because Coiyle works as a solicitor for the town of Londonderry, he's prohibited from holding office there, which suits him fine. He said he is sorry to disappoint those who voted for him, but should he resign his seat, he plans to request that Tom Cardon become his replacement. Cardon ran in the last election, losing lin District 2 to David Milz by one vote.
“Tom has many of the same views I have, and I will ask that they respect my request, and the fact that he lost by only one vote,” Coyle said.
MAY 11, 2010
WALMART REVIVES PLAN
FOR SUPER STORE
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – After pulling the plug two years ago on plans to build a Super Wal-Mart store here, the retail giant announced last week that it has renewed interest in bringing a super grocery/department store to the town's recently established TIF district.
“It's great news,” said town administrator Gary Stenhouse yesterday, who said he received official word Friday.
“It shows some good forward thinking on the part of the council, who did the TIF district without Wal-Mart in mind,” Stenhouse said. “And now that we have Wal-Mart, we're getting a lot of interest from other businesses. It shows the business community believes that Derry is sincere about economic development.”
According to the statement issued by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the company will seek permits to relocate from its current location on Manchester Road to Ashleigh Drive at the intersection of Route 28. The new store will be 147,000 square feet and include a full-service grocery store.
“We are excited to bring even more savings and convenience to the Derry community," said Chris Buchanan, senior manager of public affairs and government relations for the department store chain. “Our relationship with the residents of this community has been longstanding and we look forward to continuing to serve the area.”
The new store will also add 85 additional jobs to the local economy.
During construction, the old store will remain open, said Buchanan. The new store will feature wider aisles, wood flooring and a brighter color scheme, a deli, bakery, fresh produce and 30 departments of general merchandise. Wal-Mart currently operates 27 stores and four Sam’s Clubs in the state of New Hampshire, which represents 8,316 jobs.
Stenhouse said that when he had met with Wal-Mart representatives in the fall of 2007 construction was still a go, but he was notified about a month later that the company was pulling out of the deal, a decision driven by the slumping economy.
“At that time they announced they weren't moving forward with this project, a Hillsborough store and about 40 others nationwide, because the economy was an issue,” Stenhouse said.
The next step will be for Wal-Mart reps to come before the town's Technical Review Committee to, then on to the Planning Board with a complete site plan, Stenhouse said. He did not know what kind of timetable the project would be on.
Councilor Brian Chirichiello, who is liaison to the Planning Board, said Wal-Mart's return is good news for the town. He said word on the street is that a new Wal-Mart could cover up to 70 percent of the $4.9 million bond approved by the town in September to complete the TIF project.
“That's what I've heard – people in town sometimes seem to know more than we as councilors do,” Chirichiello said. “Regardless, it's a positive sign.”
His take was that the announcement had more to do with timing than the TIF district, saying that Wal-Mart was likely negotiating for a favored location, which recently became available with the closure of Allen Motors.
“It's impossible to gauge just how much the TIF district had to do with it. I'd like to think that was a factor, but I always believed Wal-Mart would come. We are the fourth-largest community in the state, so it just makes sense from a business standpoint,” Chirichiello said.
MAY 7, 2010
FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL USE GRANT FOR STATION SPRINKLERS
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – More good news from the ranks of the fire department: Federal grant money will make it possible for Derry Firefighters to get their houses in order.
The $265,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, announced Wednesday, will cover the cost of installing sprinkler systems at three fire stations. The irony was not lost on Chief George Klauber.
“We need to lead by example in all areas, and we thought it was important for our own fire stations to have sprinklers,” said Klauber. Only one of the town's four stations, the newest on English Range Road, included a sprinkler system when it was built a decade ago.
It's not that he hasn't wanted to equip the other fire stations with sprinklers. Klauber said each year for the past seven years he's attempted to get sprinklers in the budget, and every year it has been cut to hold the bottom line. Two years ago Derry applied for the federal grant, but was denied.
Word that they would be getting the grant this year was welcome news, Klauber said.
“That's why, in Derry, we're not attempting to retrofit older buildings – we understand the cost to install them is prohibitive for many businesses or home owners. But making sure it's part of new building construction makes it affordable – it's not as expensive to install as carpeting,” Klauber said.
The debate over cost and intrinsic value of requiring sprinkler systems in new construction is at the heart of a national debate, sparked by the 2009 International Building Code that serves as a model for state codes. In December, New Hampshire became one of a handful of states that decided to adopt the code, which was to go into effect in 2012.
In the meantime, push back from tradesmen and contractors has pitted them against fire officials and some legislators, a debate which is heating up again at the state level. Klauber said fire officials believe it is in the best interest of public safety to require sprinklers.
The town has a year to install the sprinklers. A stipulation of the grant is that the receiving town provide 10 percent in matching funds. Klauber said the $29,400 has already been set aside from the annual fire department budget in a capital reserve fund, and won't disrupt the 2011 budget.
The grant also provides a positive trickle-down effect, Klauber said.
“The work will add $300,000 to the local economy. It's a construction project that plumber or pipe fitters can bid on – and they certainly can use the work,” Klauber said.
A request for bids will be put together and announced soon by the Public Works department, Klauber said.
“People sometimes lose sight of how much money comes back to the local economy through these grants. This is the third largest grant Derry has gotten – to date, we've received more than $750,000 through this program alone,” said Klauber, citing two previous grants of more than $200,000 for breathing equipment and upgrading the communications system.
Klauber said he had just left a meeting in Concord yesterday, where buzz was still circulating over the firefighters union and its decision last week to forgo annual cost of living raises, adding $130,000 back into the town budget. It was a gesture that inspired town managers to do the same, according to Town Administrator Gary Stenhouse, who announced during Tuesday's council meeting that an additional $12,000 in savings would be added back into the budget.
“All the department managers were on board with that – we felt it was the right thing to do, by following the union's lead. The hope in the town is that some of the other unions will look at that and have the same consideration,” said Klauber.
“Derry Fire Department has been riding a wave, between the grant and the cost of living givebacks. It represents half a million in funds we would not have gotten any other way,” Klauber said.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is funded by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. Since its inception a decade ago, 28 New Hampshire fire departments have received a total of about $2 million in federal grant money through the program. More information is available online at at www.firegrantsupport.com.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is funded by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. Since its inception a decade ago, 28 New Hampshire fire departments have received a total of about $2 million in federal grant money through the program. More information is available online at at www.firegrantsupport.com.
MAY 3, 2010
FERRANTE TO CULTIVATE FARMERS MARKET
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
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| Ferrante |
Stu Arnett, who has been steering the process as part of his efforts toward the town's economic development, said Ferrante's past experience in business and an earlier effort to get a farmer's market going in town – and her tireless work ethic – elevated her to the top of the short list of candidates.
“With Ms. Ferrante's assistance, we are now pursuing the three elements needed to finalize the sustainable plan and begin its successful implementation,” Arnett said.
Those three things are: a firm commitments from potential sellers – farmers, growers and trades people; key partners or “champions” from the community willing to volunteer their time and talent, forming a “Friends of the Farmers Market; and site selection, which would be driven by vendor, shopper and health permit requirements, Arnett said.
Ferrante said she spent yesterday speaking with several key players – experts from UNH Cooperative Extension, personnel from Pinkerton Academy who can help coordinate students interested in everything from horticulture to marketing, and generally networking, hoping to have a solid plan formulated in time for a July launch.
“We're going one step at a time,” said Ferrante. “We have to get all our ducks in a row. I think June would be pushing it, but certainly by July we should be able to get something going.”
Two possible locations being floated are MacGregor Park, next to the Derry Public Library, and Frost Farm, which has been suggested by representatives of the historic site, interested in exploring the possibilities. Considerations for a final location include parking, restrooms and facilities capable of allowing for things to be cleaned or washed should there be cooking on the premises.
The other driving concern right now is getting commitments from vendors and finding out which day or days would be most conducive to a market atmosphere in town. Early discussion has included trying to coordinate a farmers market with other downtown activities, including the summer concert series, giving people a reason to stay in town once they've shopped.
Ferrante said all suggestions are on the table right now, and she hopes to hear from vendors and residents alike.
“I don't want to omit anyone with interest in making this a success,” Ferrante said.
A longtime resident and former council member, Ferrante said her past experience included her work in 2002 while on the council as part of Derry Main Street Corp., which was recognized by the state for efforts to improve the downtown aesthetic and renovation of the Adams Memorial Opera House. Part of those efforts included trying to get a farmers market off the ground, which never materialized.
“Timing is everything. That wasn't the time, but I believe the time has come. We're going to make it work this time,” Ferrante said. “We have a wonderful balance between town council, volunteers and farmers, all interested in seeing this through.”
April 29, 2010
GAME STOP HIT BY ROBBERS
DERRY – Police are looking for two armed robbers who entered the Game Stop on Manchester Road minutes before closing Tuesday night looking for money.
Police said just before 9 p.m. two men, armed with knives, entered the store and demanded cash from employees on duty. After an undisclosed amount of cash was given to the robbers, they fled the store on foot.
Based on a description of the two given police by store employees, men were both white, in their 20as, wearing black hooded sweatshirts and bandannas covering their faces.
No one was injured in the confrontation.
Anyone who may have information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Derry Police Department at 603-432-6111.
April 16, 2010
TWO ARRESTED MAY BE LINKED
TO LOCAL BURGLARIES, HOOKSETT CRIMES
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – Two people from Manchester were arrested Wednesday on warrants out of Hooksett after they were pulled over by officers on burglary patrol, who spotted a suspicious car parked askew outside a home on Island Pond Road.
According to police, Jessica Miller, 23, and Stephen Decarolis, 25, both of 41 Manchester St., Apt. 11, in Manchester, were arrested on warrants related to separate incidents at the in Hooksett.
The officers on patrol had noticed a Dodge Intrepid parked "in an odd fashion" outside 389 Island Pond Road Wednesday just after 1:30 p.m. The officers turned around to go back and check on the car when they noticed the car was leaving the area. A check of the car and license plate showed that both matched a description for a car driven by a “person of interest” in two shoplifting incidents at the Shaw's in Derry.
Detectives pulled over the car, driven by Miller. Decarolis was a passenger. A third person in the car was released at the scene, police said.
Police recovered several items from the car that appeared to be stolen goods, including laptops, collectible coins, jewelry and other items. There was also a wallet with identification that had been reported stolen during an April 4 burglary on Hampstead Road. This identification was allegedly used to cash stolen checks from an April 9 burglary on Island Pond Road.
Decarolis and Miller were turned over to the Hooksett Police on outstanding warrants for shoplifting incidents there. Detectives are continuing the investigation into the wallet, ID and rightful ownership of the items recovered from the car, and the Shaw's shoplifting incidents.
Anyone with information regarding these investigations is asked to contact Derry Police at 432-6111.
April 14, 2010
4A REPORT PROVIDES TIME LINE, LEGAL GROUNDS FOR PROJECT
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – The town's contractual agreement to finance its fair share of the proposed Exit 4A project exists, according to a report issued by Town Administrator Gary Stenhouse.
Just not on a particular paper that says “contract” across the top.
But after months of research by an independent legal firm hired to answer the persistent question of whether Derry really has to make good on its $5 million commitment toward building a new exit off I-93, the answer is unequivocally “yes,” said Stenhouse.
Based on a series of supplemental and court documents and public statements accumulated over the 25-year history of the proposed project, the town has a binding obligation to finish what it started, Stenhouse said.
“Late last spring the council asked me to retain outside counsel to look into the matter,” said Stenhouse.
Since then, the question of the legality of the town's obligation has been raised several times by members of the public and some council members. In October, the council voted 4 to 3 to move forward with the project by releasing $600,000 to CLD Consulting Engineers to update environmental studies needed to complete the required Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
“Now its in the hands of both towns working with engineer to get a clean record of decision,” said Stenhouse.
Highlights of the report include the 1987 authorization to go forward with the project, issued by the state legislature and a 1991 lawsuit brought against the developer at the time, Boston North, by the town of Londonderry.
In that suit, Londonderry challenged the legality of its obligation to the project, and lost in court. The final court settlement and resulting agreement between Londonderry and Boston North was made on the condition that Derry commit its share of the $5 million by January of 1998.
In 1997, the town council approved the $5 million bond for the project, and has so far spent $1.8 million for engineering fees.
Stenhouse said ultimately the research, conducted by Nelson, Kinder, Mosseau and Saturley of Manchester and Boston, concluded that taking the matter to court would be a drawn out and expensive undertaking for the town with no guaranteed outcome, except the likelihood that the court would find an implied contractual agreement between Derry, Londonderry and Boston North's legal successor, Hyrax Derry Partners LLC.
According to Stenhouse, as of October 2009 Hyrax Derry Partners was recorded in Rockingham County Registry of Deeds “to carry out the obligations assumed by Boston North and to pursue the Exit 4A Development.”
That information answered another question raised by Doug Newell and Tom Cardon during public comment over recent months after they asserted that Boston North had been dissolved, and if so, that should release Derry from its legal obligation to the developer.
“I stand by the report, which is available on the town's web site,” Stenhouse said. “There's nothing in it that isn't factual, and I believe it sets the record straight.”
April 6, 2010
TOWN SEEKS MANAGER FOR
FARM MARKET VENTURE
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – The town is looking for a short-term farmer's market manager.
“Originally we thought we'd have to wait for the new fiscal year for funding, but two things happened,” said Stu Arnett, the town's economic development director. “We were pleasantly surprised at how much interest there was from the community in starting on this, and after checking with the town manager, we've decided to set aside $2,000 from my contract to get this moving.”
Arnett was hired under a one-year $50,000 contract to boost economic development. His contract expires in June, with an option to renew.
Yesterday, Arnett posted the job description.
“We're finding it's a unique world – and a small one. Those who are involved in farmer's markets tend to know each other, and know who participates in which markets. We'd like to get someone with some experience, to shorten our learning curve,” Arnett said.
Worst case scenario would be that it takes longer than anticipated to hire a manager and create a business plan, which would push the start date for an open-air market to the fall, Arnett said.
Sealed proposals should be delivered to the town offices by April 16, or if sent by e-mail, attached as Word documents and directed to both stuart@ArnettDevelopmentGroup.com and
sheilabodenrader@ci.derry.nh.us.
April 2, 2010
COUNCILORS FILE SUIT
AGAINST FELLOW COUNCILORS
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
 |
| COYLE |
“In a nutshell, it's simple: There are very few things that require a non-public meeting,” said Fairbanks yesterday. “This meeting didn't qualify. Kevin and I ran on a platform of transparency, no more cloak-and-dagger stuff. This meeting should have been held in public.”
Fairbanks said she and Coyle felt they had to take a stand by way of litigation, citing a futile attempt to discuss the perceived violation, compounded by factionalism within the ranks of the council over the past several years.
“We have a feeling if we don't put our foot down and take a stand, it will only get worse,” said Fairbanks.
She said prior to the meeting, Coyle voiced his objections about the non-public meeting directly to Benson.
Last night Benson said it is unfortunate that the newly configured council is starting off on a sour note.
“I did what I thought was appropriate. My goal is to move the town forward. My goal is to make good decisions and not have personal attacks, and to be fair and honest. Kevin indicated he objected to the non-public meeting. I verified to the best of my capabilities whether we could have a non-public meeting. Kevin respectfully disagreed, and we moved on,” Benson said.
“Now, we'll let the lawyers do what lawyers do, and it will be resolved,” Benson said.
Benson said his reasoning for a non-public session was based on anticipated discussion by the council over what attributes they would be outlining for a new hire, who will replace current town administrator Gary Stenhouse when he retires in June.
“It's important that a firm that gets hired is looking for the right person, based on the direction we give them – there are all kinds of factors, including personality, work schedule, residency, contract provisions. We took good minutes at Tuesday's meeting because we're not trying to hide anything. Those minutes are posted on the town website,” Benson said.
“Contract discussions can and should be done publicly. But in my view, any discussion over attributes of past employees as you decide how to move forward should be private. It's very unfortunate Janet and Kevin chose not to stay,” Benson said.
Fairbanks said if granted, an injunction would nullify any decisions made during Tuesday's meeting.
“Was there an alternative to filing a lawsuit? Kevin tried to talk to Brad about it. He tried to dissuade Brad, through e-mail and in person. Brad runs Benson Lumber. He's not an attorney. It amazes me that they always dismiss Kevin's law degree. How does that feel, to be told by a lumber man, that he has a better grasp of the law than you do?”
Coyle, an attorney, serves as prosecutor for the town of Londonderry.
“The attitude has been one of arrogance by this council, one that says 'We are the super majority and we have the deciding votes.' That's the attitude that has been prevalent in this town for too long,” Fairbanks said.
Councilor Neil Wetherbee said last night that he supported Benson's decision to hold a non-public meeting.
“I absolutely do not feel it was illegal,” said Wetherbee. “This meeting relates directly to the hiring of a public employee. The issue of hiring a search firm will be on the public agenda April 6, and I have no issue with discussing that in the open.”
He said the council had agreed to wait until after the March elections to move forward with discussions over a new hire. Tuesday's meeting was the beginnings of that process.
“I just don't think these discussions should happen in public. We will want to go over some of our recent hires – Gary, who's still serving the town, and Russ Marcoux before him, who's now in Bedford – and I think we should be able to speak freely about what attributes we're looking for, or not looking for, without doing so publicly,” Wetherbee said.
He said should the matter end up in court and the should the court decide that the petition was “frivolous,” he would be in favor of recouping legal costs personally from Fairbanks and Coyle.
“If the town has to pay to defend this thing, and I'm just speaking as one councilor here, I will pursue that. I believe this is personal, against Brad,” Wetherbee said.
Benson said the matter has been referred to the town attorney, Ed Boutin, who is expected to make a determination sometime today.
Fairbanks said she sees that as a conflict of interest, since Boutin represents the council, and she and Coyle are members of the council, adding that it's a matter of following the letter of the law when it comes to full disclosure.
“That's why there are state laws,” Fairbanks said.
March 23, 2010
HOMEOWNER CATCHES BURGLARS IN THE ACT
TWO DAYTIME BURGLARIES SIGNAL UPWARD TREND IN BREAK-INS?
 |
| Two arrested after burglary on Island Pond Road. |
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – Two men were charged with burglary and receiving stolen property yesterday after they were interrupted in the act by a homeowner.
Gary Holt, 27, of 64 Massabesic St., Manchester, and Jacob Luce, 30, of 280 Jewett St., Manchester, were arrested shortly after they were surprised by the homeowner whose house they had broken into on Island Pond Road just before 2:30 p.m.
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| Holt |
The homeowner, whose name was not released by police, gave a description of the getaway car. Police spotted the car as it headed into Londonderry on Route 102 and made the arrest.
At about the same time, police were also investigating a daytime burglary at home on Goodhue Road, which happened sometime between 9:30 and 11 a.m. In that case, property belonging to the homeowner, Daniel Shepman, was discovered by Salem Police and traced back to Shepman's home.
“I was at work and got a call from my neighbor, that police were in my house,” said Shepman last night. “Their guns were drawn and they were making sure no one was in the house. They said the back door was wide open.”
He said the door was locked and barricaded when he left for work.
“I was wondering if maybe it was the same guys who broke in to Island Pond Road. Maybe they didn't get enough from my place, and went back for more.”
When asked, Derry Police Sgt. Michael Muncey said both break-ins were still under investigation, but it does not appear that they were related.
 |
| Luce |
Another resident of Island Pond Road, who was burglarized twice in December, said she is still waiting for peace of mind. She began to read through the police logs daily and found an unsettling number of burglaries in her neighborhood.
“There have been break ins on Gulf Road, North Shore Road, Walnut Hill Road – there were several on Warner Hill, which is just a stone's throw away from my house,” said the woman, who asked that her name and address not be published.
“We've gone for two and a half months, not knowing who's been in our house, not knowing if he's out there, not knowing if he's coming back. Our whole sense of security is gone. I've never been afraid to be alone in my house. Now, I have an alarm system. I sleep with one of my husband's guns in my nightstand. They took away my life,” said the woman. “Why aren't the police publicizing these burglaries? People should know what's going on.”
March 23, 2010
CHESTER MAN SURVIVES HORRIFIC WEEKEND CRASH
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – A Chester man was in good condition last night after a horrific accident Saturday in which he lost control of his car and crashed into a tree, likely the result of having suffered a medical condition while driving, police said.
Joseph O'Brien, 51, of Harantis Lake Road was alone in his 2000 Mercury Cougar on Chester Road just before 10 a.m. when his car veered off into an embankment, then hit a parked car and a house before hitting a tree at 66 Chester Road, the home of Bob Nihan.
“I was in my garage, about to pull out and go for a drive when his car came slamming into my house,” said Nihan. “I didn't hear anything. The guy driving behind him said the car just made a straight shot. He didn't try to brake or swerve or anything.”
“We figure he must have passed out and had his foot down on the gas pedal. He was cruisin' when he slammed into my house,” Nihan said.
Nihan flung open O'Brien's car door and shut off the ignition. He said O'Brien was breathing, but it was labored. Before he could decide whether to try administering CPR, he heard the sirens coming.
Medics worked on O'Brien for close to 10 minutes in the driveway before stabilizing him, Nihan said. They took him initially to Parkland Medical Center, then flew him to Beth Israel Hospital, where he was listed last night in critical condition.
Nihan said he's glad no one was killed and that O'Brien survived. But he was sorry that his antique car – a 1955 Chevy station wagon – was lost in the crash.
“It was just a sentimental car – it was the car my wife and I used to go out in when we were dating. I was sorry to see it destroyed, but at least everyone's OK,” Nihan said.
March 10, 2010
OCEAN BANK HIT BY
ARMED ROBBER
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – Police are looking for an armed robber who stormed the teller's booth at a downtown bank yesterday, making off with cash.
Police said the robber entered the front door of Ocean Bank on Birch Street alone at about 2 p.m., armed with a silver handgun. He kicked in an interior door giving him access to the teller area where he rifled through cash drawers stealing an undetermined amount of money before running out the back door toward Pierce Avenue.
Police searched the area with the help of a Salem police dog, but did not find the robber, who was described as a whitte male, about six feet tall, thin build, wearing a tan overcoat, light colored pants, a dark had and a black mask or bandanna over his face. The robber was also wearing glasses or sunglasses and carried a black duffle bag.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Derry Police Department at 603-432-6111, or Southern New Hampshire Crime Line at 800-498-4040.
March 4, 2010
CRIME OF THE WEEK
DERRY -- Crimeline of Southern New Hampshire is offering a $1,000 reward for useful leads on this month's Crime of the Month, a burglary in Derry.
According to police, someone broke into a construction site on Fordway Extension overnight between Feb. 16 and 17, removing glass from a rear window frame to gain entry into the building, which is a 55-plus development under construction. Police said $6,000-worth of brass plumbing fixtures were stolen. There were reports of a 2008 or 2009 white Dodge pick-up truck with roof racks that extended to the rear of the truck bed seen leaving the area.
Anyone with information should contact Crimeline of Southern New Hampshire at (603) 893-6600 or (800) 498-4040 or log on to www.crimelinesnh.com with any information you may have. Tipsters providing information that leads to an arrest are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000. All callers remain anonymous.
March 3, 2010:
COUNCIL APPROVES LAND DEAL
CONSERVATION PROPERTY DEAL STIRS CONTROVERSY
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – After a tense exchange over whether personal bias was clouding a vote on the purchase of conservation land, the council voted 5-1-1 in favor of the purchase.
Councilor Janet Fairbanks, who in the past had objected to what she says is a pattern of purchasing by the Conservation Commission that neglects the downtown, voted against spending $240,000 for the land.
Councilor Kevin Coyle abstained, saying while he felt this particular purchase was a good one, he had to stand by his previous statements, that he would not support another purchase of conservation land unless it included active recreation.
Councilor Neil Wetherbee had asked both Coyle and Fairbanks to recuse themselves from voting due to personal bias against the purchase, based on public statements they'd each made in the past.
“We're entitled to our opinions. That's why people elected you, Neil. I am entitled to my opinion. I have no personal interest if this land purchased. You may disagree with me, but it doesn't mean I am biased or you are biased,” Coyle said.
The 132 acres includes wetlands and is home to a number of wildlife species, including deer, moose and beaver, according to Conservation Commission chair Margi Ives.
In other business, several questions were raised during a public hearing over whether the town should kick in money to build a senior center adjacent to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Derry.
John Moody, representing the Nutfield Senior Center, outlined the current plan to build a 5,000-square-foot addition on the Boys and Girls Club.
The $396,000 supplemental appropriation the council is considering would be set aside until the Nutfield Senior Center could raise matching funds, said Moody. In addition, a federal grant for $396,000 has already been allocated for staffing and equipping the center.
Several years ago the council set aside $55,000 in a Recreational Facility Capital Project Fund for a senior center. That money is still available and could be used to offset the current request, reducing the amount needed to $341,000, according to a recommendation by Town Administrator Gary Stenhouse.
Resident Maureen Rose objected to using tax money to build anything on land that was not town owned, suggesting the group seek an alternative site.
Moody said the group had exhausted all leads on properties over the past eight or nine years, including the two Rose suggested – the Masonic Hall and the Pinkerton Tavern.
Resident John Burtis had a list of questions, most of which Moody promised to follow up on, including who would be responsible for maintenance, and what would happen to the property should the Nutfield group fail, or the Boys and Girls Club fold.
“All I can say is we're doing our best to answer every question. It's premature. I don't know what operating costs will be yet; you base operating cost on the programs you have. My focus is to get the $1.12 million needed for the project, and that's what I'm dedicated to doing,” Moody said.
“I'm simply here to see whether or not the council would fund it. You invest $396,000 and end up with a senior center that will be a great addition to the community, with two-thirds of the money raised by private citizens.”
The council will revisit the request once they have reviewed the existing memorandum of agreement between the Nutfield group and the Boys and Girls Club.
Feb. 25, 2010
PROTECT YOUR POOCH
RABIES CLINIC @ ALEXANDER-CARR PARK
It's a change of scene for this year's-annual townwide Rabies Clinic and Dog Licensing Day,to be held March 27 at Alexander Carr Park Lodge on Pierce Avenue, just off Birch Street. In year's past the clinic has been held at the Derry Dog Park.
Vaccinations are $13 per animal. New this year, Avid pet microchips will be available for $30 per animal with registration. Also, licensing will be available for Derry residents. The fee for dogs is $7.50 for neutered/spayed; $10.00 for regular; and $3.00 for a senior citizen’s first dog.
This is the fourth year the town has hosted the fundraiser, of which 60 percent of proceeds go toward maintaining and upgrading the dog park. The event is hosted jointly by Derry Parks & Recreation Department, Derry Animal Control, the town clerk's office, Friends of Derry Dog Park and Handel With Care Veterinary Clinic.
For additional information, please contact the Derry Animal Control Office at 432-6143 or the Parks & Recreation Department Office at 432-6136.
Feb. 24, 2010
PLANNING BOARD WORKSHOP A
MIND MELD OVER TIF DEVELOPMENT
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – Tonight's Planning Board workshop is meant to be a meeting of the minds, a first chance to casually map out a vision for the town's much-anticipated growth spurt along Route 28
“Think of it as a first attempt at figuring out how to best make good things happen in the town's TIF district,” said Stu Arnett, who will be passing out the pencils at the door.
“It's going to be an informal session. Maps will be out, and hopefully people who know the site will join us for brainstorming and open conversation,” said Arnett. “There will be plenty of pencils – with erasers.”
Arnett, a consultant whose mission is marketing Derry as livable town with a focus on boosting the town's economic development, orchestrated the workshop as a way of bringing together the town's Planning Board with those who have a vested interest in the development of the Tax Increment Finance district, some 250 acres of shovel-ready real estate along Route 28.
“We want to bring the Planning Board conceptually to the TIF district and have them consider, along with owners and citizens, what might be the highest and best uses for the area, and if there may be value in collaborative development,” Arnett said.
In some cases, there may be ways to conserve resources by working together at construction of roadways in or out of the zone, or sharing space, resources and utilities.
."We may find there is a better way to work together, rather than developing the area as separate parcels,” Arnett said. “Then again, maybe everyone who comes will say 'That's a bad idea,' and then come up with something better.”
Either way, the goal is to move forward – the sooner the area is developed the sooner the town can begin collecting tax revenue.
“That area is the town's growth center right now, it has been designated as such on the master plan for quite some time. So the hope would be in the next five to 10 years to develop the zone in synch with its environment – it's a naturally compelling place,” Arnett said.
Potential uses for the land are relatively boundless, providing the vision fits with the designations outlined on paper by TIF district parameters. Arnett said tonight's workshop is truly a “what if” session. Ideally, the area could easily house a professional office park, a medical facility, a sizable retail operation or even a conference center with parking.
“In my opinion, no matter what, it should be more than a source for tax revenue; it should become a source of good jobs. We recognize a higher percentage of Derry's population goes outside of town to work than is ideal, so it would certainly be nice to start creating great places to work right here in town,” Arnett said.
The Planning Board workshop begins at 7 p.m. in the third-floor meeting room at the Town Municipal Complex.
Feb. 22, 2010
DERRY TO LAUNCH FACEBOOK,
TWITTER TO KEEP RESIDENTS INFORMED
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – No one is a fan of roadwork. However, residents may consider becoming a fan of the town's Facebook page, which is about to launch as one of several ways to keep everyone in the loop as the Route 28 widening project progresses.
“What we want to do is communicate better with the general public and the people most directly affected by the project, which includes all the property owners along that stretch. They will have businesses to run, most of them, and people who will be using that road need to know about construction. We haven't yet clearly enunciated our goals for the project, and that's something we're working on,” said Town Administrator Gary Stenhouse.
“Open communications will avoid unnecessary conflicts, save money and get good ideas we might otherwise have missed,” said Stenhouse. He said many questions have been coming in from residents and business owners about the road project, which could begin as soon as July, once all the necessary property has been acquired and the bid for work has been awarded.
Stu Arnett, a consultant hired by the town to help boost economic development, is working on expanding the town's communication reach by using popular social networking mediums, including Facebook and Twitter.
An official launch date has not been set yet, Arnett said.
Many concerns Stenhouse has fielded center around the fate of the Pinkerton Tavern, which sits so close to the road that there is no obvious way to save the building from demolition. The town's Heritage Commission has asked the town Council to consider moving the building to another location.
Complicating the fate of the restaurant is that the building is owned by Arnold Goldstein, who has a lease agreement with restaurateurs Guy Streitburger and Jen Lutzen.
“Right now we're in the process of reviewing all options for saving the building,” Stenhouse said.
Stenhouse said project updates will be broadcast on the town's cable Channel 17 and copies of progress reports will be available at the town offices.
“Our main objective with this project is the safety of the road for residents. Beyond that, we want to get the project done, on time and within budget, so communication is key,” Stenhouse said.
Feb. 19, 2010
LYNCH, DERRY DELEGATION TALK
EDUCATION FUNDING, EXIT 4A
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – Yesterday Gov. Lynch made good on a promise made to Derry officials, that he would find time to sit down and talk about some state-level issues with local implications.
Town officials cashed in on a rain check issued during one of Lynch's recent visits to Derry, one which the governor had to cut short due to scheduling issues.
“We were supposed to get some face time with the governor that day, but he was unable to stay. His people graciously called and offered us an alternative, which worked out even better for us,” said Town Administrator Gary Stenhouse.
A delegation from Derry traveled to Concord and spent more than an hour speaking with Lynch on a number of issues, from education funding and Exit 4A to reimbursements for water and sewer grants. Accompanying Stenhouse were Council Chair Rick Metts, School District Administrator Mary Ellen Hannon, School Board President Brenda Willis, Sen. Robert Letourneau, and state reps Ken Gould and James Rausch.
Stenhouse would not get into details of the meeting, but said he was encouraged by the exchange, which has been an ongoing process. He would say that Derry's legislators are focusing on hammering out a bill that could provide an alternative to losing millions of education dollars, due to shift to other cities once the state's new funding formula kicks in next year.
“Did we come up with any earth shattering ideas? No. But we will be working with our legislators to try to come up with some language that might at least get us closer to a little more equity in the school funding program,” Stenhouse said.
He said it will not be enough just to stall the funding shift, which could leave a $7.5 million hole in the 2011 budget.
"We have to go beyond trying to stall this. We need a solution," Stenhouse said.
“One thing people seem to lose sight of sometimes is that this is an education issue, not a funding issue. We're supposed to be educating the 240,000 school children in the state of New Hampshire. It's not about winners and losers; it's about making sure kids are being educated,” Stenhouse said.
Feb. 12, 2010
SNOW SHORTAGE FORCES
FROST FEST UPDATED SCHEDULE
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – When you think of winter, you think of Jack Frost – unless you live in Derry, in which case you are more likely to think of Robert Frost which, in winter, reminds you of the annual Frost Festival, so named more for the winter fun factor than for the beloved poet.
All that is to say that this weekend is the 11th annual Frost Fest, bringing with it a slew of family-centered activities – except for poetry readings which, perhaps, will be added to the schedule for next year.
The bad news is, due to the lack of new or adequate snow, some of this year's activities have been canceled, including all planned activities at Alexander-Carr Park and Hoodkroft Golf Course. Below is a revised list of happenings throughout the weekend.
Enjoy!
Friday:
- Free spaghetti supper for seniors, starting at 5 p.m. at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School. Reservations required. Call 432-6136.
Saturday:
- Family Fun Performance Showcase, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Veteran's Hall, 31 West Broadway.
- NEW: The Upper Room will be hosting an indoor mini golf course alongside an assortment of games, raffles, and an ice cream sundae bar at the Barka Elementary School from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. As this is a fundraiser for the Upper Room, a nominal family donation is required. For additional information, contact the Upper Room at 437-8477.
- Frost Ball, 6 – 11 p.m. at Promises to Keep. Tickets $35. Dinner, DJ, dessert. Call 845-5401 or 432-6136 to reserve a ticket.
Sunday:
- Gallien's Beach Ice Fishing Clinic and Chili contest, noon to 3 p.m. Open ice hockey and skating on the lake, bring your own gear. Proceeds from donations for chili sampling go toward the work of the Sonshine Soup Kitchen.
- NEW: The sled dog demonstrations previously planned for Hoodkroft Golf Course will be moved to Galliens Beach. The King & Queen contest and coronation with Miss Greater Derry will now take place at Galliens Beach from 2 – 3 p.m.
- Depot Square Steakhouse courtyard: Ice Sculpture 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. free hot chocolate.
Feb. 7, 2010
QUAKER ROAD FIRE TEARS
THROUGH GARAGE, DAMAGES HOME
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – A family was left homeless by a two-alarm fire that originated in the garage and left their home with heavy fire damage yesterday.
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – A family was left homeless by a two-alarm fire that originated in the garage and left their home with heavy fire damage yesterday.
 |
| Courtesy DFD |
Gas leaking from the car created an additional challenge for firefighters, as well as the presence of flammable metal on the car. Crews rigged a hauling system and managed to drag the car from the garage, which allowed them to extinguish the blaze.
One woman occupant of the home was taken to Parkland Medical Center after she complained of shortness of breath. She was treated and released, fire officials said.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Fire officials said the fire originated with the car and was not considered suspicious.
Feb. 6, 2010
There's a real disconnect,” Powers said.
Feb. 1, 2010
CANDIDATES IN PLACE
FOR MARCH ELECTION
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY – As predicted by town clerk Denise Neale two weeks ago, election filing came down to the wire, with Tom Cardon, a final candidate for a town council slot, arriving just before Friday's 5 p.m. filing deadline.
“He called me in the afternoon and said he'd be here by 4:50 p.m. I told him I'm not going anywhere,” said Neale.
Cardon brought to four the number of candidates vying for the District 2 Council seat, which is being vacated by Councilor Brent Carney, who announced Thursday he would not seek reelection. Also running for District 2 Councilor: David Milz, Frank Santiago and Frank Farris.
Incumbent Councilor Brian Chirichiello, representing District 4, will run for another term. He is being challenged by Joe DiChiaro and Al Dimmock.
As announced at the end of the Jan. 19 council meeting, Council Chair Rick Metts will not be running for reelection. Seeking his at-large seat will be Doug Newell, Joel Olbricht and Jim Webb.
Rounding out the slate of candidates for the March 9 election ballot:
Town Clerk: Denise Neale
Treasurer: Rita Correia
Supervisor of the Checklist: Bruce Neale, Judy Strakalaitis
Town Moderator: Margaret Ives
Trustee of the Trust Fund: Mike Gill
Derry Public Library Trustees: Elizabeth Ives, Joan Crimlisk
Taylor Library Trustees: Ben Hamlet, Candace Andrews
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